It feels like we blinked and boom - summer is here. It comes and goes as quickly as that, so I try to make every day count (especially living in the north!).

Here's some fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list to make it the most memorable year yet.

Have a picnic.

It only takes an hour or two and it's a fun, relaxing activity with a family or friend. If you can't find someone who is available, bring your furry friend along!

Spend the day at the beach.

Nothing beats the feeling of the sun on your face and the sound of waves in the distance. If you aren't close to a beach, go to a friend's pool or your city's pool for some water fun.

Go to an amusement park.

Take the kids and head to your local water park or amusement park to make some fun memories. You'll definitely take some fun pictures and have a lot of laughs!

Throw a BBQ at your house.

Have you always "talked" about getting together with your friends for dinner, but it never happened? Well, now's your chance! Grill up all of those savory foods you've been thinking about all summer and host a great evening at your place.

Go camping for a weekend.

If you're craving the outdoors, this one is for you. Pick a weekend to unplug from your life, and soak in the scenery and wildlife.

Stargaze.

Summer is the perfect time to go stargazing. Drive far away from the city lights to look at the many constellations and planets in the sky! Experts say the best places to stargaze are national or state parks.

Attend a bonfire.

There's no better way to end the night than with a warm fire and some roasted marshmallows!

Watch a movie at a drive-in theater.

It's rare to find a drive-in theater nowadays. If there's one located near you, go watch your favorite flick for a memorable experience.

Go to the zoo.

If you want to do a fun, affordable activity with your kids, this one is for you. They will love seeing their favorite animals up close, and depending on the zoo, they may offer some interactive exhibits for the kids.

Go on a mini vacation.

If you need some new scenery, planning a weekend getaway will be the perfect cure. Look up the nearest vacation town near you, book the hotel, start driving and don't look back! You'll thank me later.

Before you know it, the cold will be back (in some parts of the country), school will be in session…and you'll be thinking about the smell of that bonfire or how the sand felt between your toes.

Injury Prevention Jet Skiing cartoon Personal watercraft devices (PWC), such as jet ski's, can be an exciting water-based activity, but it can also be dangerous and precautions must be taken. In 2018, the US Coast Guard (USCG) reported 634 injuries attributed to a personal watercraft; 196 of those injuries occurred to children ages 19 and under. Injuries such as broken bones, concussions, sprains/strains and scrapes/bruises were most common. Of all reported accidents to the USCG, the main causes were operator inexperience, operator inattention, improper lookout, excessive speed and violation of navigation rules.

Jet skis are considered boats, and operators must obey all boating rules while on the water. Since January 1, 2000, all individuals who operate a personal watercraft must have completed a certified boater safety course.

Safety Tips

• Children under the age of 16 should not operate a waverunner.
• Take a safe boating course and have your child/children take a safe boating course.
• Always have a life jacket (or personal flotation safety device) on board for each passenger.
• Make sure that your life jacket and your passenger’s life jackets fit properly and support your individual weights. (See Life Jacket Safety Chart.)
• Never mix jet skiing and alcohol.
• Always make sure an adult is watching you and/or your child from the shore.
• When driving a jet ski with a passenger, make sure your passenger is ready to go before you start.
• When riding a jet ski when someone else is driving, make sure that you are holding on tightly. Inform the driver if your hands slip or if you are not ready to go.
• Never start your engine without attaching the cord that is connected to the start/stop switch or your key to your life jacket or wrist. If you fall off, the machine will automatically stop.
• Each rider should wear eye protection, a wetsuit (in colder weather), footwear and gloves.
• Always watch for bad weather conditions.
• Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from the pump intake.
• Never operate a jet ski in water that’s less than 24-inches deep.
• Know your water terrain.

Source: chp.edu

Know Your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.

Make an Emergency Plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ day care, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.

Know your Evacuation Zone

You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.

Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.

Those with Disabilities

Identify if you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.

Review Important Documents

Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.

Strengthen your Home

De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.

Get Tech Ready

Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Help your Neighborhood

Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others

Gather Supplies

Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.

Source: ready.gov

Homes become vacant for many reasons. Maybe your home is for sale but you haven't found a buyer yet. Or you've purchased a new home but won't move in for a while. It could be a rental property that's between tenants. Whatever the cause, there are some insurance risks that you should keep in mind.

You may be thinking, why get vacant home insurance when you already have regular homeowners insurance? Well, most homeowners policies exclude or limit coverage if the home is vacant, so you'll need more specific coverage.

Insurance coverage is extremely important for a vacant home, because there are lots of dangers that threaten vacant homes in particular. If you're debating whether or not you need a vacant policy, talk to your insurance agent! Here are some things to ask about:

Cost

Vacant home insurance typically costs more than regular homeowners insurance due to potential risks like weather threats, fires and vandalism. However, you may be able to get a discount by installing security systems around the house. Even if your insurance company doesn't provide a discount for extra security, it's a good idea that will make your home safer!

Coverage

Each vacant home insurance policy is different. Many cover damage caused by fires, lightning, wind storms, hail, vandalism and theft. Check with your insurance company to see what options you have. (Remember to ask if flood damage coverage is an option!) There are also different time lengths for policies. Many are 12 months long, but they could go up to four years, so find out what will work best for you. You'll also want to consider Liability coverage, which applies if anyone is hurt on your property and you're found legally responsible.

Restrictions

Many insurance companies have different definitions of what is vacant and what is unoccupied. Additionally, there may be a specific time length distinction for the type of coverage. Restrictions can also be based on the age or value of the home. Discuss these variables with your insurance agent to find the coverage that works best for you!

Still not sure if vacant home insurance is for you? Contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance to learn more and get a quote! Overall, don't be afraid to ask questions about insurance. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

foremost.com

Why buy a vacant home? One of the biggest perks is being able to make the home whatever you want it to be. You can make it your new home, create a vacation home, rent it out, or fix it up and sell it to someone else. In some cases the seller may be willing to sell a vacant home cheaper than an occupied home. This is good news for you because you can save some money, but it could also mean something might be wrong with the house. It may need a little love, attention and renovating. Before you purchase a vacant home, here are a few things to do and watch out for:

Professional Inspection

Ask for an inspection from a professional and take notes on what they discover. You'll want to know what's broken, what needs to be fixed and what could possibly go wrong. (Note: Be prepared to pay for the home's electricity to be on for the duration of the inspection).

Critters

Since vacant homes can sit for quite some time, critters may come in and make themselves at home. Although they are usually small animals such as mice or bats, they can cause damage to a vacant house. Those unwanted critters can eat at the floors, carpets, walls and wiring. Be aware that you may need to hire a pest control service, and this could be costly based on the number of animals and the amount of damage.

Plumbing

There may be plumbing issues that have caused dried and cracked seals, slow faucets, leaks and other issues. If the heat hasn't been on and the temperatures dropped, the pipes could be at risk to freeze or burst (if they haven't already).

Appliances

The previous owner may not have unplugged their indoor appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, or let them dry out. There may be mold inside from the moisture being trapped. Having appliances plugged in with no one there could result in a fire (if the electric was on). Appliances in the house may become unusable due to long periods of sitting with no use, which means you will need new ones.

Molds

Remember, molds can grow on more than just appliances! Check for mold in the walls, floors, pipes…everywhere! Some molds may cause health issues, so if mold is found during your inspection, you may want to rethink purchasing the home. Talk with your inspector about the extremity and presence of mold, and evaluate the safety risks.

Unanticipated Repairs

There are other potential sources of damage. For example, break-ins are more likely when a home appears empty, and windows, doors and other items could be damaged by the intruder. Storms are another danger. Debris could hit the home and cause damage that may have gone undetected. Always thoroughly inspect the home before buying!

There are a lot of things to do and watch out for before purchasing a vacant home, but the possibilities of what the home could be are endless. If you are looking to buy a vacant home but haven't found one yet, there are a few ways to move forward. Look online, talk to neighbors, get a realtor or simply drive around. There are more vacant homes than you think…happy hunting! For information on Vacant Home Insurance, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: foremost

Are you considering renting your property? Remember these tips before you take the plunge.

Have you been bitten by the income property bug, or are you moving and planning to rent out your old home to a new family? Or do you simply want to lease out your home on weekends or when you’re away on vacation? There’s a lot to consider before you take the leap into becoming a landlord. Get the know-how now, and avoid surprises later.

Don’t Be In It For Instant Money

Of course it’s about the money. But the money is probably not going to be rolling in for a while. If the home is paid off, you’re going to be enjoying the dough a little bit more than someone with a mortgage. When I decided to move and rent out the home I owned (with a mortgage), I knew most if not all of the rent was going to be filtered back into the banks and taxes for 15 more years. The opportunity for equity is there, especially if you can use the rental income to pay off your loan faster, but you may not have that luxe vacation funded by your rental property for quite a while.

Don’t Have Heart

This critical comment was given to me early on when I decided to rent my home. It didn’t make sense at the time, but it does in hindsight. To effectively and objectively manage the property, it’s helpful to position the property as something bigger than just you. This is no longer your house, this is a house owned by a business — with legal obligations — and you need to separate the business needs from emotional needs, such as if a tenant is a week late with rent.

As part of the rental process, you’ll consult with lawyers, insurance companies and accountants, and you should use their business advice to help guide you through complex (and emotion-driven) situations in defense of sustaining the business. For example, you can say "I’m sorry, I’m required to charge you a late fee if rent is more than 24 hours late. It is processed by my accountant, so I don’t have control over it". Or, "Unfortunately, our insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by BB guns, and if the behavior is reported again I will be required to evict."

Have an Impeccable Bookkeeping Process

For a small-owned operation, bookkeeping is something you can easily organize yourself. Keep a detailed archive of all events — things you purchase, vendors you pay and materials you purchase to maintain the home.

Put Everything in Writing

Everything should have a paper trail, digitally or handwritten. If it’s handwritten, do yourself the service and digitize it for good measure. Bookkeeping is a lot of work, but dedication to organization is where it’s at.

Don't Forget About Taxes

Speak to an accountant or tax planner with experience in filing taxes for landlords. This expert will help advise on how you need to organize your expenses, what documents you’re going to need at the end of every tax year, and how you should go about paying yourself for this side hustle (It’s important to know upfront how that extra income is going to affect your federal and state taxes). If it’s helpful to you, they can run numbers before you rent to make sure you’re charging the correct amount. This is the ultimate reality check to determine how well your business might work for you.

Know Housing Laws, and Consult With a Lawyer

Applying for a Certificate of Occupancy (COO) will introduce you to all housing laws you need to be aware of before you rent your space. The office staff at your town or city’s housing department will be a wealth of knowledge, so befriend them, and always be on the up-and-up with respect to inspections and licenses.

Consulting with a lawyer is always advisable too; you may not need to retain them, but having someone reviewing the language used in your lease and terms will surely put you at ease. Shop Around for Insurance

Homeowners insurance on dwelling properties is higher than it is on your primary residence for various reasons, but shop around and you’ll be surprised how much the quotes can vary. If you keep all home insurance policies at the same company, they may be willing to offer you a discount. Furthermore, if you explore liability insurance (which you should), an insurance agent can help you write a good umbrella policy to protect yourself, your property and your family.

Set Office Hours

Quite simply, let your tenants know you are only available to answer your phone during certain hours. Allow it to go to voicemail outside of that, and only respond to the message if it’s an urgent matter. Avoid texting with your tenants because the expectations of immediacy will surely disrupt your night out.

Avoid Renting to Family and Friends

Or, do at your own risk with firm guidelines and expectations. It’s easier to evict a stranger.

Screen Potential Tenants

I always said I felt lucky to have rented to people who I would legitimately befriend — couples and individuals who were friendly and seemed honest and didn’t give me reason to worry. The truth is, don’t let your guard down. Even the friendliest of people can have quirky habits, like always being a few days late with rent or hop-skip-jumping to a new job every four months leaving their security to question.

A few things to consider asking for during the application process:

• salary verification letter
• credit verification
• personal and professional references (including their current boss)
• Have a Very Clear Stance on How/When Rent is Owed and Late Fees
• Tax return and paint swatches.
• Emily Fazio

State this in the lease, and more importantly, stick to your guns. Make the terms suitable to your needs, so you can keep up with overhead costs related to your rental property.

Be Clear About What Will Happen if They Break the Lease

Have all of the terms in writing, including how and when the lease needs to be renewed, and what costs will be incurred if a lease is broken. Many landlords plan their renewals around spring/summer to make it easier to re-lease the space, but if a tenant decides to leave in the winter, the landlord might enforce extra penalties if it’s deemed harder to fill a residence. That said, there are always people looking for homes, so be optimistic. There will undoubtedly be moments of stress when a tenant decides to leave.

This is also a good time to note a policy about subletting, which is common, but not always allowed. Think about it, and define your stance.

Take Several Photos Before Renting (and When Each Tenant Leaves, Too)

Know exactly what the property looked like before and during tenants, so you can compare to assess damage and have a visual archive of changes that were made to the home.

Be On the Up-And-Up With Inspections

Don't become the slumlord. Your town or city will have very specific regulations that you need to keep in mind, and inspections are a part of that. Keep your certificate of occupancy up-to-date, and oblige to regular inspections to be sure your tenants are safe and to avoid being fined out of the blue.

Staging the Space Works

When it’s time to start showing the space, the unit doesn’t need to be fully furnished but it does help to have a few items in place. For example, a dining room table with florals is a nice visual for someone walking into a home, adding a kitchen island temporarily will help show how functional the space can be and putting a few framed images on the wall will reflect light and make a home feel more comfortable. Similarly, in bedrooms, install the curtain rods yourself. Show the property staged with curtains, and the tenants may decide to use your hardware to make their space just as home-y.

Hardwood Flooring Is Easier Than Carpet

Staining is less prevalent, and it’s easier to get them looking like new between tenants. Plus, as a former tenant, I liked moving into a place that didn't have carpet germs from the previous resident.

Beware of Pets

My husband and I had pets, which made it hard to say no when a tenant asked us if she could get a cat. Why not? We love pets! Especially snuggly ones that are house-trained and sleep all day. But not everyone cares for their pets in the way you would expect. When poorly trained or neglected, it doesn’t take much for any pet to damage floors and screens, and leave an aroma not even the most scented and determined cleaning products could eliminate. Allow that to permeate your mind for a second, and if you’re going to allow pets, be certain your security deposit covers worst-case scenario clean-up expenses.

Beware of Hobbies

Similar to pets, you might find that your tenants hobbies can cause conflict. There's less you can do to be aware of these hobbies upfront, but being an active landlord (or having an active property manager or nosy neighbors) can help to thwart unusual behaviors.

Hire a Reliable Handyman

Having the know-how to do simple repairs and upkeep around the home certainly cuts back on your need to be reliant on others (and it's more rental income in your own pocket), but choose your battles. Having a reliable handyman available to help late at night or to cover situations that arise when you’re out of town will put you and your tenants at ease.

Be Prepared for Seasonal Maintenance

If you take it on yourself, remember to consider how much your time is worth. You might find that contracting out seasonal tasks like the below is a better value for your budget:

• lawn mowing
• mulching and weeding
• tree trimming
• general landscaping
• cleaning siding, windows and door screens
• snow removal and salting
• leaf removal

Be Prepared for a Lapse in Tenants

Regardless of how much notification you receive of a tenant’s departure, it’s virtually impossible to clean and turn over a property to a new tenant without a small window of vacancy (Wherein, you’re not earning money). Be prepared for the reduction in income, and have a contingency plan for fronting the mortgage for an upwards of several months until the new tenant is in place.

Realize People Are Much Harder on Property They Don't Own

Care and respect goes out the window, to some degree. My tenants broke things that I never could have fathomed damaging – I’m talking about breaking the basement stair treads, warping the window screen so it no longer slid in the track, chipping tile grout and scraping every inch of door trim when they moved their furniture in and out. Just know that anything can happen, and that’s another good reason to follow my "Don’t have heart" advice.

After a long, cold winter, gardeners are anxious to be outside and get their hands in the dirt. As memories of harsh winter storms fade in the warmer days of spring, it’s time to think about waking up the garden for the new growing season. With so much to get done, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed on where to begin. By planning ahead and getting yourself organized, spring chores can be a snap. Here are some tips to get you started.

Start seeds

Start seeds of vegetables and annuals indoors 6-8 weeks before you plan to set them out. Make a planting schedule so that seedlings are mature at the optimal time for your region. Once soil temperature reaches 40 degrees F, crops such as greens, radishes and peas can be directly sown. Wait until soil temperature warms to 50 degrees F to plant cabbage, onions and Swiss chard. Summer vegetables can be sown in late spring.

Prune shrubs and vines

Now is the time to prune roses, (some) shrubs and perennial vines. Remove dead branches and shape plants once new growth appears. Research proper pruning techniques and timing for each variety, and hold off on pruning spring bloomers until after they flower.

Prepare ornamental beds

• Start with areas where spring blooming bulbs are peeking up to spiff up early color displays.
• Rake out debris and cut back perennials and ornamental grasses before new growth appears.
• Clear out weeds using these organic methods.
• Top dress with several inches of homemade compost or well-seasoned manure, which will add slow-release nutrients, suppress weeds, and conserve water during warm summer months. Learn more about mulching.
• Fertilize trees, shrubs, and perennials according to individual needs.

Divide perennials

Once new growth appears, it’s a good time to divide perennials. Transfer extra clumps into bare spots or give them away to friends. If you belong to a neighborhood gardening group or club, organize a plant swap. It’s a great way to try out new plants for free.

Rejuvenate water features

Remove dirt and debris from water features and clean or replace filters. Turn on pumps and make sure water is circulating properly. For natural water gardens such as ponds or bogs, add beneficial plants or apply other algae control methods to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Source: gardendesign.com

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of potential springtime hazards for your furry friends.

*If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with or ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.

Easter Treats and Decorations

Keep lilies and candy in check—chocolate goodies are toxic to cats and dogs, and all true lilies can be fatal if ingested by cats. And be mindful, kitties love to nibble on colorful plastic grass, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration. Moreover, while live bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy them—these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!

Screen Yourself

Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows.

Buckle Up!

While most dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the beds of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets riding in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all cleaning products, even all natural ones, contain chemicals that may be harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

Home Improvement 101

Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects.

Let Your Garden Grow—With Care

Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients may be dangerous if your pet ingests them. Always store these products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Many popular springtime plants—including rhododendron and azaleas—are also highly toxic to pets and can prove fatal if eaten.

Ah-Ah-Achoo!

Like us, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause itching, minor sniffling and sneezing, or life-threatening anaphylactic shock to insect bites and stings. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Pesky Little Critters

April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.

Out and About

Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information.

Home security has become an important issue for everyone, no matter where you live. While there's no foolproof way to stop every break-in, many burglaries are preventable. Keep in mind that burglars search for easy targets.

Here are some security measures that may force burglars to look elsewhere:

Use the right locks and solid doors

Choose a single-cylinder dead bolt lock backed by a reinforcing strike-plate with three-inch screws. The dead bolt should be at least one inch thick and extend at least one inch into the doorframe when locked. Standard door locks may not be enough to deter experienced thieves. For example, a thief can open key-in-the-knob spring bolt locks by pushing back the lock bolt with a credit card or similar flexible object.

Use solid core or metal clad entrance doors along with sturdy door frames firmly attached to your home. Many intruders enter residences by physically destroying lightweight hollow core doors and flimsy door frames.

Be sure entrance doors have wide-angle peepholes or view grills so you can see visitors without opening the door. Ask anyone who comes to your door for identification before allowing them inside.

Secure sliding patio doors and windows:

For best protection, use a bolt lock.

Second choice would be a dowel or pipe in the slider track. This helps, but isn't perfect. Thieves can bypass them by lifting the doors or windows out of their slide channels. You can help prevent this by tightening adjustment screws to eliminate "play" in a door or window.

Protect your home with proper lighting:

Keep entryways, pathways, stairwells, porches, yards and parking areas well lit.

Mount lights up high so burglars can't easily unscrew bulbs.

Don't give thieves an easy way in:

Keep shrubs trimmed away from your home. Prune back tree limbs, particularly from upper windows and porch roofs.

Keep your garage locked, along with any storage sheds on your property, especially if they contain tools or ladders thieves can use to break into your home. Use a quality dead bolt lock here, too, if you can.

Invest in a heavy-duty gun-safe if you have firearms in your home. This will keep guns out of criminal-hands, as well as away from children, friends and relatives who don't know how to handle firearms safely.

foremost.com